·With the win tonight, the Mavericks even the all-time series vs. the Bulls at 26 wins a piece. Dallas also snaps a three-game losing streak at home (regular season games) dating back to last season.

·Erick Dampier recorded his first double-double of the season with 14 points (7-8 FGs) and a game-high 13 rebounds. Dallas was 7-0 when Dampier had a double-double last season. All-time, the Mavericks are 35-7 when Dampier scores in double-digits. Dampier shot 3-of-3 in the first quarter. For the season, he is shooting 13-of-15 in the first quarter. Dampier is shooting 65.8% from the floor this season. He also had 3 blocks tonight. Dampier only had five blocks coming into tonight and no more than one in a single game. Dampier grabbed 6 offensive boards. Dallas is 2-1 when he grabs 4+ offensive boards this season after going 29-6 in 2005-06.

·Dallas shot a perfect 24-of-24 from the line tonight. The Maverick franchise record for most free throws made without a miss is 27 (at New Jersey on 2/6/02). Over the past three games, Dallas has shot 91.7% (77-84 FTs) from the line. Chicago shut just 60.0% (18-30 FTs) from the line. Dirk Nowitzki was a perfect 11-of-11 from the line tonight, marking the second time in the past three games he’s attempted 10+ free throws and not missed a single one. There were 10 games last season in which Nowitzki had 10+ FTA and made every one.

·Dirk Nowitzki scored a game-high 31 points while adding 10 rebounds. He has scored 30+ points in two of the past three games (Mavs 2-0). Dallas was 21-5 when he scored 30+ points last season. Nowitzki now has five double-doubles in the seven games this season. He had just five double-doubles in 14 games last November.

·Dallas shot 50.0% from the floor tonight, marking its third straight game hitting at least half its shot attempts. The last time the Mavericks shot 50.0% or better from the floor in three consecutive games was 4/2-4/7/06. Dallas is 3-0 when shooting 50.0% or better this season after going 18-4 in 2005-06.

·Jerry Stackhouse scored 21 points tonight. He has started the past four games and is averaging 18.0 points on 50.0% (28-56 FGs) shooting over that span.

·Dallas scored 30 points in the first quarter. The Mavericks have scored 30+ points in the first quarter four times over the past five games (2-2 mark). Dallas was 10-2 when scoring 30+ points in the first quarter last season.

Was at the game and was glad to see them get the win. A few observations from the game. Almost shot as many 3 pointers as ft's. That's just not going to get it. They have to quit setting for the jumper for stretches during the game. Dirk was being aggressive and going at Nocioni early in the game but never went back to it. When the starters go out, the offense really struggles. AJ just dribbling at the top of the key and players standing around. When Stack goes back to the bench that will help some. It looks like Avery will take Jet out earlier than the others in the 1st quarter, then get him out there with the bench to try to keep the offense moving. Better performance in the 4th quarter last night. This team still isn't where it was at last year yet, but they are improving by the game. Buck is starting to play better. George working his way into things. Would like to see better play out of AJ but it's still early.

All in all, things are finally settling down and looking more like we thought they would. But they aren' there yet.